Algae every 2-3 weeks

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H

Hewesman

0
Jan 11, 2019
9
Tallahassee, FL
So it seems I can only have a crystal clear pool for 2-3 weeks. Then I have to turn back to the SLAM process. What am I missing?
I have been intentionally keeping my FC right around 10 ppm. I have done the OCLT last time and had .2 loss when I finished the SLAM.
I run my robotic vacuum mainly on Friday and Sunday and try to brush at least 1-2 times, normally Friday and Sunday.

FC - 10 +/- 1
PH - 7.2 almost always
CH - don't need it, vinyl
CYA - 70, might be slightly higher but not over 80
TA - 60
Salt - 3200

Pool is 25,000 gallons, SWG, Vinyl, very close to full sun, Sand Filter, Variable speed pump running 24x7, using TFT chemicals to test, renew them yearly. We swim almost every weekend, with 4 of us, sometimes a few more people on occasion.
 
When you did your slam did you go on the hunt for hidden algae?
*Check & scrub every nook & cranny where algae may hide (light niches, steps, drain covers, ladder handrails, skimmer throats/weirs, abandoned lines, autofill, overflow drains, etc.)
*If water can go there, algae can thrive there.
*Run slam level water through all water features & lines for at least a couple hours a day during the SLAM Process.

Do you have any water features? If so, how often do they run?
 
Along the lines of what Woody mentioned, are there any toys/floats/suits that go between the pool & lake/pond/ocean without being washed?
 
Algae does not live in the presence of adequate chlorine. So, at some extended point your chlorine is too low allowing algae to grow.

The SLAM article gives precise directions on how to perform it and how to know when you are finished. If you have finished the SLAM properly and then allowed your chlorine to stay above minimum level, algae cannot grow
 
Last time I did SLAM CYA was at 60ish, so I keep FC above 27/28. IIRC I was there for 2 days, tested OCLT and it was almost no loss at all(like .2 loss or less) so I stopped slamming.

I have not "scrubbed" skimmers and and all of the crevices there, so that is a good place to go. I get all the steps very good and those crevices.
I always catch it before it gets really bad, I'm starting to learn when the water changes clarity I have algae.

Is it better to not keep CYA close to 80? Maybe stay 70 and below, but not below 60?
 
When you ended the previous slam did you meet All 3 of the end of slam criteria?
CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
the water is clear.
(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)
A 2 day slam (although not impossible) sounds very quick. Perhaps you just ended prematurely.

Going on the algae hunt is a very important step so be sure to do so this go round along with ensuring you pass All the exit criteria before calling it good.

Going forward You can maintain whichever cya works best for your pool in the season you’re in so long as you keep adequate fc at all times. If you’re cya measures between 2 values round up & chlorinate accordingly as you can’t read between the lines & you want to be sure you’re covered fc wise.
Most in your part of the country in the peak of summer find 80 to be a good place to land to assist their swg.
If yours is keeping up with demand just fine you can certainly maintain a lower cya if you choose.
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